A little bit sideways Rallying in New Zealand, where we like to get A Little Bit Sideways! Up to date Rally News from teams around the country together with event reports.
Chris Alexander’s Mitsiota Round 1 Report Cat3 NZRC
This years Rally Otago started off with a few challenges for us. Our service crew got COVID so recruited a new team from Dunedin, (thanks to Cullam and Louie), followed by the FIA scrutineers finding the car’s WOF to have expired by one day. We must thank to Steven for sorting that out for us. Scrutineers also found Chris’ race suit didn’t comply so another one was hastily bought down by Deane at Palmside the night before the rally.
This year we entered in Category 3 open 2WD drive, in the Evo powered Toyota DX Corolla. The event wasn’t without it problems which were carefully managed by Chris and the team, allowing us to complete all 17 stages around the Otago region.
The Corolla grew wings in SS2 but overcame a massive off-road excursion, by sheer luck and a small amount of driver management. Kim Raggett was sitting in the silly seat and first time and using the Alport notes was great on her baptism of fire, “we only got lost twice” Kim explains.
Having a camera poked in his face at the end of the stages was also a new thing for Chris “car is strong and we are dialing in” he said. Day 1 ended well with a few problems quickly sorted before park ferme. “the diff is making a few funny noises, so we will nurse it to the end” said Chris. With a solid safe drive the aim was to get to the finish and collect points for the championship, and rewarded with 3rd in class. Chris said “By far my favourite stage was Waipouri Gorge … love the tight stuff and this car really responds to that”.
Next round of the Brian Green Property Group NZRC is Whangarei 14-15th May.
Event report by Chris Alexander
